Institution

emlyon business school can look back on over 150 years of history shaping its commitment to “provide lifelong training and support to enlightened people who effectively change organizations to build a society that is fairer, shows solidarity for others and respects the planet.” This mission statement has been enshrined in the school's bylaws since emlyon became a benefit corporation in 2021.

Our special teaching philosophy closely links thinking and doing, helping cultivate the entrepreneurial mindset and reflexivity which have been integral to the School's DNA since it was first founded. We can rely on the expertise of a faculty consisting of more than 170 research professors informing the global scientific conversation and contributing new knowledge to our academic programs. Lastly, our social and environmental engagement underpins all our activities. 2024 has been a busy year for emlyon.

Our new strategic plan - “Resonances 2028”- focuses on five qualities we expect from our students, “makers” capable of exploring alternative futures, building and taking action: academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, commitment, hybrid knowledge and resonance with the world, society and the business community.

Our new campus which embodies our ambitious scientific and teaching goals will be home to the emlyon community from September 2024. These unique premises testifying to our strong local roots and international outlook will offer a truly exceptional student experience and become a meeting place for all stakeholders committed to achieving a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Throughout its history, emlyon business school has remained true to its distinctive characteristics: the spirit of enterprise, creativity and humanistic values.

• 1872 The Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Lyon opened its doors with 75 students and 17 professors in a building constructed under Louis XV in Rue de la Charité in the second district of Lyon.
• 1877 Foundation of the Alumni Association, which plays an active part in finding jobs for the school's graduates.
• 1960 Creation of the Management Development Center, which launched a range of executive education programs.
• 1972 Inauguration of the school's new site in Ecully.
• 1978 The first double-degree programs were launched. A new network of schools was formed, made up of: Ecole Supérieur de Commerce de Lyon, University of Texas (USA), York University (Canada), University of Connecticut (USA), Aston University (UK) and Pace University (USA).
• 1984 Creation of the Entrepreneurs Center and the dedicated entrepreneurship programs.
• 1988 Creation of a new network spanning all of Europe (60 partners around the world).
• 1997 The school celebrated its 125th anniversary and took on a new name. The ESC Lyon Group became E.M.LYON (Ecole de Management de Lyon).
• 2005 The school joined the 1% of global business schools granted with 3 accreditations (AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB).
• 2007 A new campus was opened in Shanghai.
• 2010 The Alumni Association becomes the EMLYON FOREVER network and adds 20,000 graduates worldwide.
• 2014 A campus was opened in Saint-Etienne and the Global BBA (Bachelor in Business Administration) was launched.
• 2015 A campus was opened in Casablanca.
• 2016 The new early makers brand signature was launched and a campus opened in Paris.
• 2018 The school changed its legal structure and became a public limited company with an executive board and a supervisory board.
• 2019 The Lyon campus project was launched: a "next-generation campus" based in Lyon and planned for september 2024.
• 2021 emlyon emlyon unveiled its “Confluences 2025” strategic plan and adopted the status of a "société à mission", or benefit corporation.
• 2023 The new We are makers brand signature was launched.
• 2024 emlyon unveiled its Résonances 2028 strategic plan and openend its new campus in Lyon.